**Core Concept**
Traumatic paraplegia can lead to autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypertension, bradycardia, and pupillary dilatation. This condition occurs due to the unopposed sympathetic activity in the spinal cord above the level of injury, which causes an excessive release of catecholamines.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The initial management involves identifying and relieving the causative factor, which is usually a distended bladder or bowel in the case of spinal cord injury. The patient's blood pressure should be lowered using intravenous nitroglycerin or hydralazine, while simultaneously addressing the underlying cause. The correct answer is focused on the initial management of autonomic dysreflexia, which is the relief of the causative factor.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option does not address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia and may worsen the condition by masking the symptoms.
**Option B:** While blood pressure control is essential, it is not the initial step in managing autonomic dysreflexia.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it does not address the causative factor and may lead to further complications.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and treatment. The key to management is identifying and relieving the causative factor, usually a distended bladder or bowel, while addressing the hypertension.
**Correct Answer:** C. Relieve the causative factor (distended bladder or bowel) and use intravenous nitroglycerin or hydralazine to lower blood pressure.
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